Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that the United Kingdom will not pursue any post-Brexit partnership with the EU “that relies on compliance with EU rules.”
It follows claims that some government officials want to move toward a deal modeled after Switzerland, with less trade friction and greater immigration.
Switzerland can trade freely with the EU but must adhere to certain EU regulations.
Mr. Sunak told business leaders that immigration control was one of Brexit’s early benefits.
He stated at the CBI convention in Birmingham, “I voted for Brexit and I support Brexit.”
I am aware that Brexit may and is already providing the UK with great benefits and chances.
He said that the United Kingdom could now “exercise proper authority over our borders.”
He added that the United Kingdom was free to pursue trade accords with “the fastest-growing economies in the world.
The Sunday Times claimed over the weekend that senior government officials were considering seeking a Swiss-style arrangement.
The claim was refuted by government ministers and Downing Street, but Brexit-supporting Conservatives were nonetheless alarmed.
Former minister Simon Clarke tweeted, “I sincerely hope and trust that this is not being considered. We definitively resolved the issue of exiting the European Union in 2019.”
Lord David Frost, who negotiated the previous agreement, stated, “I hope the government reconsiders these measures immediately.”
The majority of Switzerland’s industries enjoy access to the single market, even though Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU). Additionally, it contributes to the EU budget and has freedom of movement, allowing EU nationals to live and work there.
Last week, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressed hope that the United Kingdom will be able to eliminate trade obstacles with the European Union, but cautioned that this would “take time.
“Unrestricted trade with our neighbors and nations around the world is tremendously good for growth,” he remarked.
He said this after presenting his Autumn Statement, in which he confirmed that the United Kingdom was in recession and that the economy would continue to contract.
The Office for Budget Responsibility accompanied the chancellor’s statement with an economic prediction stating that Brexit had had a “significantly negative impact” on UK commerce.
Does Rishi Sunak intend to reopen Brexit’s Pandora’s box?
Not according to ministers on the airwaves, Downing Street spokespeople, and the PM himself this morning.
You can comprehend why. In recent months, the Conservative Party has been a relatively divided organization. Reconsidering the Brexit issue would reopen all debates from 2016 onward.
The leadership of Labour does not wish to spend months discussing the issue.
Even if the prime minister does not reconsider a Swiss-style solution, post-Brexit debates will continue.
There are concerns around immigration, Northern Ireland, and larger European trade. Reducing friction is only possible if Brussels makes additional concessions.
Even though the fundamentals are not back on the table, portions of the Brexit argument are.
Home Office Minister Robert Jenrick told that it was difficult to disentangle the disruptions created by Brexit, the coronavirus outbreak, and the conflict in Ukraine.
“There will be problems and disruptions as a result of fundamentally altering our relationship with the EU,” he said, adding that it was too early to tell if this would be to the UK’s long-term economic detriment.
He stated that the government was keen to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Brexit, citing plans for the financial services, life sciences, and green economy regulatory regimes.
He also emphasized that the government did not wish to make any significant changes to the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, stating that the country had arrived at the correct strategy.
No. 10 reaffirmed the message, stating that Mr. Sunak was “categorical” that the agreement will not be significantly altered.
Specifically, the spokeswoman for Downing Street stated that there will be no restoration of freedom of movement, no “unnecessary” payments to the EU, and “nothing that restricts the United Kingdom’s ability to negotiate trade deals.”
